Method, device and storage medium for determining signal weak coverage area

Abstract

The application provides a method and device for determining a weak signal coverage area and a storage medium, relates to the technical field of communication, and can solve the problem of high 5G coverage level obtained by analysis. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining measurement data of a first terminal on a first mode network in a target area and measurement data of a second terminal on the first mode network in the target area; determining a first coverage capability of the first mode network of a first operator in the target area according to signal strengths of multiple first operators; determining a second coverage capability of the first mode network of a second operator in the target area according to signal strengths of multiple second operators; determining a weak signal coverage area in the target area; the weak signal coverage area comprises an area with a difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability greater than a first threshold value and an area with the first coverage capability less than a second threshold value. The application can improve the accuracy of network analysis results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and storage medium for determining weak signal coverage areas. Background Technology

[0002] The scale of 5G base stations is still significantly smaller than that of 4G base stations, with weak coverage remaining in scenarios requiring deep or wide coverage. Therefore, assessing the coverage of 5G networks is of great importance to operators.

[0003] In related technologies, 5G network coverage is assessed through measurement reports (MR). However, when the signal strength of the 5G network falls below a certain threshold, the 5G terminal switches to the 4G network. At this time, the 5G terminal, while collecting and reporting signal level data from the 4G network, does not collect signal level data from the 5G network. This means that signal level data below the threshold in the 5G MR statistics cannot be collected and statistically analyzed, leading to an inflated 5G coverage level in the analysis. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, apparatus, and storage medium for determining areas with weak signal coverage, which solves the problem of inflated 5G coverage levels obtained from analysis and improves the accuracy of network analysis results.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for determining a weak signal coverage area. The method includes: acquiring measurement data from a first terminal on a first-mode network in a target area and measurement data from a second terminal on the first-mode network in the target area; the measurement data includes signal strengths of multiple first operators and multiple second operators; the first-mode network in which the first terminal is camped in the target area; the second-mode network in which the second terminal is camped in the target area; determining a first coverage capability of the first-mode network of the first operator in the target area based on the signal strengths of the multiple first operators; determining a second coverage capability of the first-mode network of the second operator in the target area based on the signal strengths of the multiple second operators; determining a weak signal coverage area in the target area; the weak signal coverage area includes an area where the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is greater than a first threshold, and an area where the first coverage capability is less than the second threshold.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: for each grid in the target area, determining a first number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid among the signal strengths of a plurality of first operators; determining a second number of signal strengths less than a third threshold among the first number of signal strengths; and using the ratio of the second number to the first number as a first coverage capability.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: for each grid in the target area, determining a third number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid among the signal strengths of multiple second operators; determining a fourth number of signal strengths less than a third threshold among the third number of signal strengths; and using the ratio of the fourth number to the third number as a second coverage capability.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the first coverage capability is within a preset range, for each grid cell, determining the difference between the corresponding first coverage capability and the second coverage capability; if the difference is greater than a first threshold, then determining the area where the grid cell is located as a weak signal coverage area.

[0010] Secondly, this application provides an apparatus for determining a weak signal coverage area. The apparatus includes: a communication unit and a processing unit; the communication unit is configured to acquire measurement data from a first terminal on a first-mode network in a target area and measurement data from a second terminal on a first-mode network in the target area; the measurement data includes signal strengths of multiple first operators and multiple second operators; the first-mode network in which the first terminal resides in the target area; and the second-mode network in which the second terminal resides in the target area; the processing unit is configured to determine a first coverage capability of the first-mode network of the first operator in the target area based on the signal strengths of the multiple first operators; the processing unit is further configured to determine a second coverage capability of the first-mode network of the second operator in the target area based on the signal strengths of the multiple second operators; the processing unit is further configured to determine a weak signal coverage area in the target area; the weak signal coverage area includes an area where the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is greater than a first threshold, and an area where the first coverage capability is less than the second threshold.

[0011] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to: for each grid in the target area, determine a first number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid among the signal strengths of multiple first operators; determine a second number of signal strengths less than a third threshold among the first number of signal strengths; and use the ratio of the second number to the first number as a first coverage capability.

[0012] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to: for each grid in the target area, determine a third number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid among the signal strengths of multiple second operators; determine a fourth number of signal strengths less than a third threshold among the third number of signal strengths; and use the ratio of the fourth number to the third number as a second coverage capability.

[0013] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically used to: when the first coverage capability is within a preset range, for each grid cell, determine the difference between the corresponding first coverage capability and the second coverage capability; if the difference is greater than a first threshold, determine that the area where the grid cell is located is a weak signal coverage area.

[0014] Thirdly, this application provides an apparatus for determining a weak signal coverage area, the apparatus comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface and the processor are coupled, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the method for determining a weak signal coverage area as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0015] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal, cause the terminal to perform a method for determining a weak signal coverage area as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0016] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a device for determining a weak signal coverage area, causes the device for determining a weak signal coverage area to perform the method for determining a weak signal coverage area as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the method for determining weak signal coverage areas as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0018] Specifically, the chip provided in this application also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions.

[0019] It should be noted that the aforementioned computer instructions may be stored, in whole or in part, on a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium may be packaged together with the processor of the device, or it may be packaged separately from the processor of the device; this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a system for determining weak signal coverage areas, comprising: a first terminal, a second terminal, a network management device, and a data processing server, wherein the data processing server is used to execute the method for determining weak signal coverage areas as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0021] The descriptions of aspects two through seven in this application can be referenced to the detailed description of aspect one; and the beneficial effects of the descriptions of aspects two through seven can be referenced to the analysis of the beneficial effects of aspect one, which will not be repeated here.

[0022] In this application, the name of the aforementioned device for determining weak signal coverage areas does not limit the device or functional module itself. In actual implementation, these devices or functional modules may appear under other names. As long as the function of each device or functional module is similar to that of this application, it falls within the scope of the claims of this application and its equivalents.

[0023] These or other aspects of this application will become more readily apparent in the following description.

[0024] The above solution offers at least the following advantages: Based on the above technical solution, the method for determining weak signal coverage areas provided in this application acquires measurement data from a first terminal residing in a first-mode network within the target area, and measurement data from a second terminal residing in a second-mode network within the target area, also for the first-mode network within the target area. Then, it determines the first coverage capability of the first-mode network of the first operator and the second coverage capability of the first-mode network of the second operator within the target area. Furthermore, it identifies areas where the difference between the first and second coverage capabilities in the target area is greater than a first threshold, and areas where the first coverage capability is less than the second threshold, as weak signal coverage areas. Compared to the current method where data on 5G network signal strength below a certain threshold cannot be collected, leading to inflated 5G coverage levels, the above technical solution improves the accuracy of network analysis results by analyzing the measurement data from the first terminal and the second terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the extent of a weak coverage area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a system for determining weak signal coverage areas.

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a data source provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a device for determining a weak signal coverage area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining a weak signal coverage area provided in this application embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another method for determining a weak signal coverage area provided in this application embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a device for determining a weak signal coverage area provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0034] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different treatments of the same object, rather than to describe a specific order of objects.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0036] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0037] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] China has been using 5G commercially for four years. Data recently released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that the number of 5G base stations built in my country has grown rapidly. However, the current scale of 5G base stations is still less than half that of 4G base stations. This scale indicates that there is still a significant gap between the number of 5G base stations and 4G base stations, with weak coverage still existing in scenarios requiring deep or wide coverage. Therefore, assessing the coverage of 5G networks is of great significance to operators.

[0039] In addition to traditional tests such as drive test (DT) and call quality test (CQT), wireless network coverage assessment and analysis methods also include network coverage assessment based on MR reports.

[0040] MR reports are submitted by mobile terminals to the network. The raw measurement data in the MR report is sent by the terminal to the Operation and Maintenance Center (OMC-R) of the base station subsystem and stored in the form of statistical data. It can reflect the current network environment of the user and can be used for coverage analysis and evaluation of the communication network. Commonly used indicators include MR coverage rate and the proportion of weak coverage cells.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the traditionally reported 4G MR range in the long-term evolution (LTE) coverage area is the same as the traditionally reported 5G MR range and the range of 5G fallback and weak coverage areas in the new radio (NR) coverage area.

[0042] For 4G network coverage analysis, 4 / 5G terminals residing in the 4G network and 4 / 5G terminals currently carrying services on the 4G network periodically measure the current serving cell, co-frequency neighboring cells, and inter-frequency neighboring cells of the 4G network and report the measurement data (MR data) for statistical analysis.

[0043] For 5G network coverage analysis, 5G terminals residing in the 5G network and 5G terminals currently carrying services on the 5G network periodically measure the current serving cell, co-frequency neighboring cells, and inter-frequency neighboring cells of the 5G network and report the measurement data (MR data) for statistical analysis.

[0044] The current MR reporting mechanism is that terminals mainly measure and report the network quality of 5G frequency points and lower standard frequency points on 5G networks, and mainly measure and report the network quality of 4G frequency points and lower standard frequency points on 4G networks, such as the signal strength of 4G networks, and will not actively measure the signal strength of 5G networks.

[0045] In related technologies, MR reports are used to assess 5G network coverage. However, due to 4G / 5G interoperability issues, when the 5G network signal strength falls below a certain threshold, 5G terminals will switch to the 4G network. At this time, the 5G terminal switching to the 4G network collects and reports the 4G network signal level data, but not the 5G network signal level data. This means that signal level data below the threshold in the 5G MR statistics cannot be collected and statistically analyzed. In particular, domestic operators, in order to improve the 5G user experience and service experience, set high interoperability thresholds between 5G and 4G, leading to inaccurate and incomplete reporting results. Therefore, the results obtained from 5G network coverage assessment based on MR reports may contain an "inflated" 5G coverage level. Furthermore, when the operator lacks 5G coverage, it is difficult to assess the 5G coverage level of other operators and to understand the coverage differences between one's own network and other networks.

[0046] In view of this, the method for determining weak signal coverage areas provided in this application acquires measurement data of a first terminal residing in a first-mode network within a target area, and measurement data of a second terminal residing in a second-mode network within the target area, also residing in the target area, for the first-mode network within the target area. Then, it determines the first coverage capability of the first-mode network of a first operator and the second coverage capability of the first-mode network of a second operator within the target area. It further identifies areas where the difference between the first and second coverage capabilities in the target area is greater than a first threshold, and areas where the first coverage capability is less than the second threshold, as weak signal coverage areas. Compared to the current method, which suffers from inflated 5G coverage levels due to the inability to collect data when the 5G network signal strength is below a certain threshold, the above technical solution improves the accuracy of network analysis results by analyzing the measurement data from the first and second terminals.

[0047] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a system for determining weak signal coverage areas provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the system for determining the weak signal coverage area includes: a first terminal 201, a second terminal 202, a network management device 203, and a data processing server 204.

[0049] The first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 can be one or more, but only one is shown in this application.

[0050] The first terminal 201 and the network management device 203 are connected via a communication link; the second terminal 202 and the network management device 203 are connected via a communication link; the network management device 203 and the data processing server 204 are connected via a communication link. This communication link can be a wired communication link or a wireless communication link; this application does not limit the type of link.

[0051] The functions of the first terminal 201 will be described in detail below.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first terminal 201 is a 5G terminal residing in the target area of ​​the 5G network. The first terminal 201 receives periodic measurement requests from the 5G network management device 203 via the base station, and in response to the periodic measurement requests, measures the signal quality of the 5G network in its area and sends the measurement data to the network management device 203.

[0053] The functions of the second terminal 202 will be described in detail below.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the second terminal 202 is a 5G terminal residing in a 4G network within the target area. The second terminal 202 receives periodic measurement requests from the 4G network management device 203 via a base station, and in response to the periodic measurement requests, measures the signal quality of the 5G network in its area and sends the measurement data to the network management device 203.

[0055] The first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 in this embodiment can also be user-side entities used to receive signals, or transmit signals, or both receive and transmit signals. The terminal equipment is used to provide users with one or more of voice services and data connectivity services. The terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. The terminal equipment can be a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, autonomous car, pure electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or new energy vehicle, etc. Terminal devices can also be device-to-device (D2D) devices, such as electricity meters and water meters.

[0056] Terminal devices can also be mobile stations (MS), subscriber units, drones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, stations (ST) in WLANs, cellular phones, smartphones, cordless phones, wireless data cards, tablets, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, and wearable devices (also known as wearable smart devices). Terminal devices can also be terminal devices in next-generation communication systems, such as those in 5G systems, future PLMNs, and NR systems.

[0057] The network device in this embodiment is an entity on the network side used to transmit signals, receive signals, or both. The network device can be a device deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Examples include TRPs, base stations (e.g., evolved NodeBs (eNBs or eNodeBs), next-generation node base stations (gNBs), next-generation eNBs (ng-eNBs), etc.), various forms of control nodes (e.g., network controllers, radio controllers (e.g., radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios), roadside units (RSUs), etc.). Specifically, the network device can be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points (APs), etc., or it can be the antenna panel of a base station. The control node can connect to multiple base stations and configure resources for multiple terminal devices covered by these base stations. In systems employing different radio access technologies (RATs), the names of devices with base station functions may differ. For example, in an LTE system it may be called an eNB or eNodeB, and in a 5G or NR system it may be called a gNB. This application does not limit the specific name of the network equipment.

[0058] The functions of network management device 203 will be described in detail below.

[0059] In one possible implementation, network management device 203 is used to send periodic measurement requests to the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 respectively via a base station. Network management device 203 is also used to receive and store measurement data sent by the first terminal 201 via the base station, and measurement data sent by the second terminal 202 via the base station.

[0060] The following is a detailed introduction to the functions of data processing server 204.

[0061] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the data processing server 204 is used to analyze the 5G network coverage of different operators in the target area by combining the 5G MR data reported by 5G terminal users residing in the 5G network on the 5G network, and the 5G terminal residing in the 4G network after falling back to the 4G network after operations such as reselection, redirection or handover.

[0062] When implemented in hardware, the various modules in the data processing server 204 can be integrated into, for example... Figure 4 The hardware structure of the device for determining the weak signal coverage area is shown. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the basic hardware structure of the device for determining areas with weak signal coverage is introduced.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a device for determining a weak signal coverage area, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the device for determining the weak signal coverage area includes at least one processor 401, a communication line 402, and at least one communication interface 404, and may also include a memory 403. The processor 401, memory 403, and communication interface 404 can be connected via the communication line 402.

[0064] The processor 401 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0065] Communication line 402 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0066] Communication interface 404 is used to communicate with other devices or communication networks. It can use any transceiver-like device, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0067] The memory 403 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of including or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto.

[0068] In one possible design, the memory 403 can exist independently of the processor 401, meaning the memory 403 can be an external memory of the processor 401. In this case, the memory 403 can be connected to the processor 401 via a communication line 402 to store execution instructions or application code, and its execution is controlled by the processor 401 to implement the method for determining weak signal coverage areas provided in the following embodiments of this application. In another possible design, the memory 403 can also be integrated with the processor 401, meaning the memory 403 can be an internal memory of the processor 401. For example, the memory 403 can be a cache, used to temporarily store some data and instruction information.

[0069] As one possible implementation, processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, for example Figure 4 CPU0 and CPU1 in the example. As another possible implementation, the device for determining weak signal coverage areas may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 4 The processors 401 and 407 are included. As another possible implementation, the device for determining weak signal coverage areas may further include an output device 405 and an input device 406.

[0070] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be referenced or learned from each other. For example, the same or similar steps, method embodiments, system embodiments and device embodiments can be referenced from each other without limitation.

[0071] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining a weak signal coverage area provided in this application embodiment, which can be applied to, for example... Figure 4 The device shown is used to determine areas with weak signal coverage. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following S501-S504.

[0072] S501. Obtain measurement data of the first standard network in the target area from the first terminal and measurement data of the first standard network in the target area from the second terminal.

[0073] The measurement data includes signal strength from multiple primary operators and multiple secondary operators. The primary terminal is camped on a primary network within the target area, and the secondary terminal is camped on a secondary network within the target area.

[0074] In one example, taking the frequency bands of the first operator's first standard network as 2.1GHz and 3.5GHz as an example. As shown in Table 1, the number of MR samples obtained from the first terminal via 5G measurement is 14,060,839 for NR 2.1G and 146,431,915 for NR 3.5G. The number of MR samples obtained from the second terminal via 4G measurement is 185,483 for NR 2.1G and 24,884,181 for NR 3.5G. Combining the data from the first terminal via 5G measurement and the data from the second terminal via 4G measurement, a total of 14,246,322 MR samples for NR 2.1G and 171,316,096 MR samples for NR 3.5G are obtained.

[0075] Table 1. Number of MR Samples from the First Operator

[0076]

[0077]

[0078] In another example, taking the frequency band of the second operator's first standard network as 700MHz and 2.6GHz as an example, multiple MR samples of NR 700MHz and NR 3.5G obtained from the first terminal via 5G measurement are acquired. Similarly, multiple MR samples of NR 700MHz and NR 3.5G obtained from the second terminal via 4G measurement are also acquired.

[0079] S502. Based on the signal strength of multiple first operators, determine the first coverage capability of the first operator's first standard network in the target area.

[0080] The following section details the analysis of primary coverage capabilities using measurement data obtained from 5G measurements.

[0081] In one possible implementation, taking a 5G network as the first standard network as an example, as shown in Table 1, the total number of MR samples measured by 3.5G network is 146,431,915. Among them, the number of samples with a signal strength (SS-RSRP) less than -105dBm is 5,710,843, and the calculated first coverage capability of 3.5G network is 5,710,843 / 14,643,1915 = 3.90%. The total number of MR samples measured by 2.1G network is 14,060,839. Among them, the number of samples with SS-RSRP < -105dBm is 449,945, and the calculated first coverage capability of 2.1G network is 449,945 / 14,060,839 = 3.20%.

[0082] Therefore, considering the network conditions of 5G networks in the entire target area at 2.1G and 3.5G, the first coverage capability obtained by analyzing data collected solely using 5G data is determined to be 3.84%.

[0083] The following section details the analysis of primary coverage capabilities using measurement data collected jointly by 4G and 5G.

[0084] In one possible implementation, as shown in Table 1, combining 5G and 4G measurements of 5G MR, the total number of MR samples for the 3.5G network is determined to be 171,316,096. Among these, the number of samples with a signal strength (SS-RSRP) less than -105 dBm is 21,885,456, and the calculated first coverage capability of the 3.5G network is 21,885,456 / 171,316,096 = 12.77%. Combining 5G and 4G measurements of 5G MR, the total number of MR samples for the 2.1G network is determined to be 14,246,322. Among these, the number of samples with a signal strength (SS-RSRP) less than -105 dBm is 588,957, and the calculated first coverage capability of the 2.1G network is 588,957 / 14,246,322 = 4.13%.

[0085] Therefore, considering the network conditions of the 5G network in the entire target area at 2.1G and 3.5G, the first coverage capability obtained by analyzing data collected jointly by 4G and 5G is determined to be 12.11%.

[0086] It should be noted that, as can be seen from the above embodiments, the analysis of the first coverage capability using data collected jointly by 4G and 5G is more accurate than the analysis of data collected solely using 5G.

[0087] In another possible implementation, the process of determining the first coverage capability by the device for determining the weak signal coverage area can be achieved through the following steps 1-3.

[0088] Step 1: For each grid cell in the target area, determine the first number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid cell among the signal strengths of multiple first operators.

[0089] For example, based on the location information of the received measurement data, the signal strength belonging to the target grid among the signal strengths of multiple first operators is determined, and the number of signal strengths is determined.

[0090] In one example, the number of signal strengths belonging to the target grid is 50.

[0091] Step 2: Determine the second number of signal strengths that are less than the third threshold from the first number of signal strengths.

[0092] In one example, out of 50 measurement data points belonging to the target grid, 10 samples had a signal strength (SS-RSRP) less than -105 dBm.

[0093] Step 3: Use the ratio of the second quantity to the first quantity as the first coverage capability.

[0094] In one example, the first coverage capability of the target raster is calculated to be 10 / 50 = 20%.

[0095] S503. Based on the signal strength of multiple second operators, determine the second coverage capability of the first standard network of the second operator in the target area.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the process of determining the second coverage capability by the device for determining the weak signal coverage area can be achieved through steps 4-6.

[0097] Step 4: For each grid cell in the target area, determine the third quantity of signal strength corresponding to each grid cell among the signal strengths of multiple second operators.

[0098] For example, based on the location information of the received measurement data, the signal strength belonging to the target grid among the signal strengths of multiple second operators is determined, and the number of signal strengths is determined.

[0099] In one example, the number of signal strengths belonging to the target grid is 50.

[0100] Step 5: Determine the fourth number of signal strengths that are less than the third threshold from the third number of signal strengths.

[0101] In one example, it was determined that out of 50 measurement data belonging to the target grid, the number of samples with a signal strength (SS-RSRP) less than -105 dBm was 1.

[0102] Step 6: Use the ratio of the fourth quantity to the third quantity as the second coverage capability.

[0103] In one example, the first coverage capability of the target raster is calculated to be 1 / 50 = 2%.

[0104] S504. Identify areas with weak signal coverage within the target area.

[0105] The weak signal coverage area includes areas where the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is greater than a first threshold, and areas where the first coverage capability is less than the second threshold.

[0106] In one possible implementation, as shown in Table 2, among multiple grids in the target area, regarding the first operator's first coverage capability, there are 21,372 grids with a coverage rate less than 10%, accounting for 49.52% of the total grids; 20,378 grids with a coverage rate between 10% and 30%, accounting for 47.22% of the total grids; and 1,480 grids with a coverage rate greater than 30%, accounting for 3.26% of the total grids. Regarding the second operator's second coverage capability, there are 41,212 grids with a coverage rate less than 10%, accounting for 95.49% of the total grids; 1,524 grids with a coverage rate between 10% and 30%, accounting for 3.53% of the total grids; and 422 grids with a coverage rate greater than 30%, accounting for 0.98% of the total grids.

[0107] Table 2 Grid Ratio Table

[0108]

[0109] For example, taking a second threshold of 30% as an example, as shown in Table 2, 1408 grids are the weak signal coverage areas of the first operator.

[0110] In another possible implementation, if the first coverage capability is within a preset range, for each grid cell, the difference between the first and second coverage capabilities is determined. If the difference is greater than a first threshold, the area where the grid cell is located is determined to be a weak signal coverage area.

[0111] In one example, for each of the 20,378 grids of a first operator, which falls between 10% and 30%, a comparison is made with the second coverage capability of a second operator in the same location, based on geographic information. For instance, for a target grid, if the difference between the first and second coverage capabilities is greater than a first threshold, the area where the target grid is located is determined to be a weak signal coverage area.

[0112] In one example, the first threshold can be 5%. If the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is greater than 5%, it is determined that in the area where the target grid is located, the coverage capability of the first network standard provided by the first operator is less than the coverage capability of the first network standard provided by the second operator.

[0113] Specifically, as shown in Table 3, the number of graticules with a difference of more than 5% between the first and second coverage capabilities is 16,471, accounting for 38.16% of the total number of graticules; the number of graticules with a difference between -5% and 5% between the first and second coverage capabilities is 3,422, accounting for 7.93% of the total number of graticules; and the number of graticules with a difference between the first and second coverage capabilities is less than -5%, accounting for 1.12% of the total number of graticules.

[0114] Table 3. Analysis of the difference between the first and second coverage capabilities.

[0115] <-5％ 485 1.12％ [-5％,5％] 3422 7.93％ >5％ 16471 38.16％

[0116] It should be noted that, in the 16,471 grids where the coverage rate is greater than 5%, the coverage of the first-operator's first-standard network is less than that of the second-operator's first-standard network; in the 3,422 grids where the coverage rate is between -5% and 5%, the coverage of the first-operator's first-standard network is comparable to that of the second-operator's first-standard network; and in the 485 grids where the coverage rate is less than -5%, the coverage of the first-operator's first-standard network is superior to that of the second-operator's first-standard network.

[0117] Comprehensive analysis shows that the weak signal coverage areas of the first operator are 16,471 grids where the difference between the first and second coverage capabilities is greater than 5%, and 1,408 grids where the first coverage capability is greater than 30%.

[0118] Based on the above technical solution, the method for determining weak signal coverage areas provided in this application acquires measurement data of a first terminal residing in a first-mode network within a target area, and measurement data of a second terminal residing in a second-mode network within the target area, also residing in the target area, for the first-mode network within the target area. Then, it determines the first coverage capability of the first-mode network of a first operator and the second coverage capability of the first-mode network of a second operator within the target area. It further identifies areas where the difference between the first and second coverage capabilities in the target area is greater than a first threshold, and areas where the first coverage capability is less than the second threshold, as weak signal coverage areas. Compared to the current method where data on 5G network signal strength below a certain threshold cannot be collected, leading to inflated 5G coverage levels, the above technical solution improves the accuracy of network analysis results by analyzing the measurement data from the first and second terminals.

[0119] As one possible embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 5 ,like Figure 6As shown, the process of the first terminal of the signal weak coverage area determination device measuring the first standard network in the target area and the second terminal measuring the first standard network in the target area can be implemented by the following S601-S604.

[0120] S601, the first terminal responds to the first measurement information and measures the signal strength of the first operator's first standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first standard network.

[0121] Among them, the first measurement information is the 5G wireless network management configuration of the first operator sent to the first terminal through the base station.

[0122] Optionally, the first operator's 5G wireless network management configuration notifies the first terminal of the first measurement information via an RRC connection reconfiguration message from the base station.

[0123] It should be noted that the first measurement information specifies the measurement period and the measurement object. The measurement object can be the frequency points and number of measurement points of the first operator's first standard network, and the frequency points and number of measurement points of the second operator's first standard network. For example, the measurement period can be 3*24 hours.

[0124] For example, the first operator's first standard network can use frequency bands of 2.1 GHz and 3.5 GHz. The second operator's first standard network uses frequency bands of 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz.

[0125] Optionally, the measured data may also include the physical cell identifier (PCI), frequency, single sideband (SSB) reference signal received power (SS-RSRP), etc. of NR cells with defined or undefined neighbor cell relationships, as well as the latitude and longitude information of the UE.

[0126] S602, the first terminal sends the signal strength of the first operator's first network standard and the signal strength of the second operator's first network standard to the device for determining weak signal coverage areas. Correspondingly, the device for determining weak signal coverage areas receives the signal strength of the first operator's first network standard and the signal strength of the second operator's first network standard from the first terminal.

[0127] In one example, after completing the measurement, the first terminal can add the signal strength of the first operator's first standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first standard network to the measurement report message, and send the measurement report message to the device for determining the weak signal coverage area.

[0128] S603, the second terminal responds to the second measurement information and measures the signal strength of the first operator's first standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first standard network.

[0129] The second measurement information is the 4G wireless network management configuration of the first operator sent to the second terminal through the base station.

[0130] It should be noted that the second measurement information also specifies the measurement period and the measurement object. The measurement object can be the frequency points and number of measurement points of the first operator's first standard network, and the frequency points and number of measurement points of the second operator's first standard network. For example, the measurement period can be 3*24 hours.

[0131] For example, the first operator's first standard network can use frequency bands of 2.1 GHz and 3.5 GHz. The second operator's first standard network uses frequency bands of 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz.

[0132] Optionally, the 4G wireless network management configuration includes the following settings for the measurement frequency points and the number of measurement frequency points in the second measurement information sent from the base station to the second terminal:

[0133] (1) Number of measurement frequency points: Configure the number of frequency points to add for measuring 5G NR;

[0134] (2) NR downlink carrier frequency band indication: Configure the frequency band corresponding to the 5G neighbor cell to be added for measurement, such as 3.5GHz corresponding to N78;

[0135] (3) NR SSB carrier frequency: Configure the SSB center frequency point corresponding to the 5G neighbor cell to be added for measurement;

[0136] (4) SSB Subcarrier Spacing: Configure the subcarrier spacing to be added for measuring the SSB of the 5G neighboring cell;

[0137] (5) SSB measurement cycle: Configure the measurement cycle to be added for measuring the SSB of the 5G neighboring cell.

[0138] For example, as shown in Table 4, measurements of 3.5GHz, 2.1GHz, and 2.6GHz frequencies for 5G NR are added.

[0139] Table 4. Wireless Network Management Configuration Data

[0140] N78 3408.96MHz 30kHz 20ms N78 3509.76MHz 30kHz 20ms N1 2114.65MHz 15kHz 20ms N41 2524.95MHz 30kHz 20ms

[0141] Optionally, the measured data also includes the PCI, frequency point, and corresponding SSB reference signal received power (SS-RSRP) of the serving cell, co-frequency neighboring cells, and inter-frequency neighboring cells, as well as the latitude and longitude information of the second terminal.

[0142] S604, the second terminal sends the signal strength of the first operator's first network standard and the signal strength of the second operator's first network standard to the device for determining weak signal coverage areas. Correspondingly, the device for determining weak signal coverage areas receives the signal strength of the first operator's first network standard and the signal strength of the second operator's first network standard from the second terminal.

[0143] In one example, after completing the measurement, the second terminal can add the signal strength of the first operator's first standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first standard network to the measurement report message, and send the measurement report message to the device for determining the weak signal coverage area.

[0144] Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal, in response to the first measurement information, measures the signal strength of the first operator's first-standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first-standard network. The first terminal sends the signal strength of the first operator's first-standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first-standard network to the signal weak coverage area determination device. The second terminal, in response to the second measurement information, measures the signal strength of the first operator's first-standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first-standard network. The second terminal sends the signal strength of the first operator's first-standard network and the signal strength of the second operator's first-standard network to the signal weak coverage area determination device. Compared to the current analysis using only 5G-collected data, the above technical solution allows the signal weak coverage area determination device to acquire data collected jointly by 4G and 5G, resulting in more accurate data analysis results.

[0145] This application embodiment can divide the device for determining weak signal coverage areas into functional modules or functional units according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module or functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or in software functional modules or functional units. The module or unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0146] like Figure 7 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a signal weak coverage area determination device 70 provided in an embodiment of this application. The signal weak coverage area determination device 70 includes a communication unit 701 and a processing unit 702.

[0147] Communication unit 701 is used to acquire measurement data of a first-mode network in a target area from a first terminal and measurement data of a second terminal in a target area; the measurement data includes signal strengths of multiple first operators and multiple second operators; the first-mode network in which the first terminal resides in the target area; and the second-mode network in which the second terminal resides in the target area; processing unit 702 is used to determine a first coverage capability of the first-mode network of the first operator in the target area based on the signal strengths of the multiple first operators; processing unit 702 is also used to determine a second coverage capability of the first-mode network of the second operator in the target area based on the signal strengths of the multiple second operators; processing unit 702 is also used to determine weak signal coverage areas in the target area; weak signal coverage areas include areas where the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is greater than a first threshold, and areas where the first coverage capability is less than the second threshold.

[0148] Optionally, the processing unit 702 is specifically configured to: for each grid in the target area, determine a first number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid among the signal strengths of multiple first operators; determine a second number of signal strengths less than a third threshold among the first number of signal strengths; and use the ratio of the second number to the first number as a first coverage capability.

[0149] Optionally, the processing unit 702 is specifically configured to: for each grid in the target area, determine a third number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid among the signal strengths of multiple second operators; determine a fourth number of signal strengths less than a third threshold among the third number of signal strengths; and use the ratio of the fourth number to the third number as a second coverage capability.

[0150] Optionally, the processing unit 702 is specifically used to: when the first coverage capability is within a preset range, for each grid cell, determine the difference between the corresponding first coverage capability and the second coverage capability; if the difference is greater than a first threshold, determine that the area where the grid cell is located is a weak signal coverage area.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the device 70 for determining weak signal coverage areas may further include a storage unit 703. Figure 7(shown in dashed box) The storage unit 703 stores a program or instruction. When the processing unit 702 executes the program or instruction, the signal weak coverage area determination device 70 can perform the signal weak coverage area determination method described in the above method embodiment.

[0152] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the method for determining weak signal coverage areas described in the above method embodiments.

[0154] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method for determining a weak signal coverage area in the method flow shown in the above method embodiments.

[0155] The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: electrical connections having one or more wires; portable computer disks; hard disks; random access memory (RAM); read-only memory (ROM); erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM); registers; hard disks; optical fibers; portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); optical storage devices; magnetic storage devices; or any suitable combination thereof; or any other form of computer-readable storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the embodiments of this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0156] Since the device for determining the weak signal coverage area, the computer-readable storage medium, and the computer program product in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can also be referred to the above method embodiments. The embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0157] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0158] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0159] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0160] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining a weak signal coverage area, characterized in that, The method includes: The system acquires measurement data from a first terminal on a first-mode network in a target area and measurement data from a second terminal on the same network. The measurement data includes the signal strength of a first operator and the signal strength of a second operator. The first terminal is hosted on the first-mode network in the target area, and the second terminal is hosted on the second-mode network in the target area. For each grid cell in the target area, determine a first number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid cell in the signal strength of the first operator; Determine a second number of signal strengths that are less than a third threshold from the first number of signal strengths; The ratio of the second quantity to the first quantity is used as the first coverage capability; For each grid cell in the target area, a third quantity of signal strength corresponding to each grid cell in the signal strength of the second operator is determined; Determine a fourth number of signal strengths that are less than the third threshold from among the third number of signal strengths; The ratio of the fourth quantity to the third quantity is used as the second coverage capability; Identify weak signal coverage areas within the target area; the weak signal coverage areas include areas where the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is greater than a first threshold, and areas where the first coverage capability is less than a second threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the weak signal coverage area in the target area includes: When the first coverage capability is within a preset range, for each grid cell, the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is determined. If the difference is greater than the first threshold, then the area where the grid is located is determined to be a weak signal coverage area.

3. A device for determining a weak signal coverage area, characterized in that, The device includes a communication unit and a processing unit; The communication unit is used to acquire measurement data from a first terminal on a first-standard network in the target area and measurement data from a second terminal on the first-standard network in the target area; the measurement data includes the signal strength of a first operator and the signal strength of a second operator; the first terminal is camped on the first-standard network in the target area; the second terminal is camped on the second-standard network in the target area; The processing unit is configured to, for each grid in the target area, determine a first number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid in the first operator's signal strength, determine a second number of signal strengths less than a third threshold in the first number of signal strengths, and use the ratio of the second number to the first number as the first coverage capability. The processing unit is further configured to, for each grid in the target area, determine a third number of signal strengths corresponding to each grid in the signal strength of the second operator, determine a fourth number of signal strengths less than the third threshold in the third number of signal strengths, and use the ratio of the fourth number to the third number as the second coverage capability; The processing unit is further configured to determine weak signal coverage areas in the target area; the weak signal coverage areas include areas where the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is greater than a first threshold, and areas where the first coverage capability is less than a second threshold.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: When the first coverage capability is within a preset range, for each grid cell, the difference between the first coverage capability and the second coverage capability is determined. If the difference is greater than the first threshold, then the area where the grid is located is determined to be a weak signal coverage area.

5. A device for determining a weak signal coverage area, characterized in that, include: A processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the method for determining weak signal coverage areas as described in any one of claims 1-2.

6. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method for determining a weak signal coverage area as described in any one of claims 1-2.

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